POLICE have taken to the water to patrol streets in a flooded village after reports of men in boats eyeing up the contents of abandoned homes.

Fire officers and police go on patrol by boat in Sandhurst, near Gloucester [BARCROFT]

We feel like an island state here, we are totally cut off an very vulnerable.

A flood-hit resident

Residents cut off from help have seen men in boats near to empty properties in the village of Sandhurst, near Gloucester, much of which is now underwater.

The police say they have had "several reports of suspicious incidents" in the area.

One resident, who lives with his dad and partner, has been cut off from the outside world for four days.

"We feel like an island state here, we are totally cut off an very vulnerable," he said.

"We saw a boat with around four men in it at around 9.30pm on Thursday.

"They were about 100 yards from the evacuated properties.

"They were not looking to help anyone and had no reason to be there at that time of night. When I shouted at them to ask what they were doing, they shouted abuse back and started swearing.

"It was then I called 999. The police said they would be sending someone out, but no-one came.

"It makes us even more determined not to leave now, if not just to protect our property.

"We can't leave now. There is a 70-year-old woman on her own and we are keeping on eye on her to make sure she is safe.

"The only way out is under the A40. The water is around four metres deep and it is like a rapid so very dangerous, it is lethal."

Firecrews and police get ready to take to the water [BARCROFT]

Another resident of Sandhurst Lane, said: "Flood victims are concerned for any remaining property and there is a real concern people are looking to take advantage of possible vacated homes.

"Residents feel they have been neglected by emergency services already and this is the final straw.

"Residents have been unable to get out of flooded properties to get supplies, in places flood water is four to five foot deep and the only way to get out is under the A40 bridge which is wild and incredibly dangerous.

"No basic supplies have been delivered to any remaining residents which include a 70-year-old lady and a bed bound endometriosis sufferer."

A police spokesman said: "There have been several reports of suspicious incidents but we would like to reassure people that officers did attend and have patrolled the area this morning and nothing untoward was discovered.

"I should stress that we have extra officers on the ground in flooded areas and at the moment we have had no reported incidents of looting in the county.

"We are of course determined to ensure no one takes criminal advantage of these extraordinary circumstances."